BMW-Glas 3000 V8 Fastback by Frua 1967 - World Of Classic Cars -

BMW-Glas 3000 V8 Fastback by Frua 1967

Some of the most interesting cars to have ever been created by BMW are those that have been crafted not in-house by BMW’s own designers, as skilled as they may be, but by outside coachbuilders. After BMW’s acquisition of famed old-line German automaker Glas in 1966, the company continued to produce the Glas 3000 V8, albeit under the name BMW-Glas, and badge it as a BMW. The design of the Glas 3000 V8 was polarising to some, but the acquisition gave coachbuilder Pietro Frua, who had designed a handful of other Glas models, an opportunity to reimagine the car’s design.

BMW-Glas 3000 V8 Fastback by Frua 1967

The vehicle presented here is the only BMW-Glas 3000 V8 to be fitted with custom bodywork by Frua. Whilst the car’s fastback body differed from anything built by Glas or BMW at that time, it was instantly recognisable by its iconic kidney-shaped grille. Unlike the somewhat bulbous Glas models, this new car’s coachwork was sleek, low-slung, and aggressive. Its design was similar to that of a Maserati Ghibli or an Iso Grifo, and clearly Frua had been influenced by Giorgetto Giugiaro in its lines.
The car proved to be popular, and it was displayed at a number of motor shows, including Frankfurt and Paris in 1967, the Geneva Salon in 1968, and finally Barcelona in 1969. BMW presented the car in different colours to showcase its incredible design: light blue metallic at Paris and red in Barcelona. After Barcelona, it was sold to its first owner, a gentleman in Andalucía who retained the car for over 20 years, until his death. It was then purchased by an admiring employee of that owner.

BMW-Glas 3000 V8 Fastback by Frua 1967

It has just finished a recent mechanical restoration with its current owner. Whilst this work was taking place, the interior was fitted with new upholstery and the paint colour was changed once again to silver, which is a very flattering colour for the car, as it helps to showcase its wonderful lines.
As attractive as the BMW-Glas 3000 V8 by Frua was, it was decided that the model would be not go into production so BMW could focus on the upcoming 3.0 CS, and this car was left as a one-off.